Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Starch-based, Starch Blend with PLA, Others) , Applications (Fruits & Vegetables, Horticultural, Grains, Others) and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market Size

The global Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market Size was valued at USD 1.78 billion in 2024 and is projected to decline slightly to USD 2.07 billion in 2025, before recovering and expanding to USD 3.56 billion by 2033. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.0% during the forecast period (2025–2033), driven by the rising need for sustainable agricultural practices and biodegradable alternatives to plastic.

The US Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market Size is gaining traction due to increasing awareness of environmental impact, government support for sustainable farming, and a shift toward organic agriculture. Innovations in biodegradable film technologies are also boosting adoption across American farms and horticulture industries.

Key Findings 

• Market Size: Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market size was USD 1.78 Billion in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 2.07 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.56 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8 during the forecast period [2025-2033].
• Growth Drivers: Over 77% consumer preference for sustainable agriculture, 68% government support, and 64% yield improvement drive mulch film market adoption.
• Trends: 68% rise in PLA-starch usage, 63% UV-resistant film development, 59% drip irrigation compatibility, 66% smart farming integration boost trends.
• Key Players: BASF, Novamont, Organix Solutions, BioBag, Plastiroll, PLASTIKA KRITIS, RKW Group, Sunplac, Iris Polymers, Kingfa, Biolegeen.
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific holds 43%, Europe 28%, North America 18%, and MEA 11%, with 72% Asia-Pacific support from government sustainability initiatives.
• Challenges: 69% degradation inconsistency, 67% cost concerns, 54% climate impact, 63% lack of standards, 58% performance variability hinder mulch film growth.
• Industry Impact: Over 75% plastic use reduced, 66% farming cost lowered, 70% soil health improved, 62% productivity gains, 61% eco-certification compliance enhanced.
• Recent Developments: 66% manufacturers launched new products, 63% improved film durability, 61% expanded regionally, 68% innovations for tropical use, 55% strategic alliances formed.

The eco-friendly mulch film market is growing rapidly due to rising environmental concerns and the shift towards sustainable agriculture. Over 70% of farmers in developed countries are adopting eco-friendly mulch films for soil health and yield improvement. Around 65% of global agri-businesses now prefer biodegradable mulch film solutions. Nearly 80% of the government-funded sustainable farming projects now promote eco-friendly mulch film usage. With 60% reduction in plastic waste, eco-friendly mulch films are becoming the first choice in organic farming. Over 55% of mulch films used in high-value crops are now biodegradable. This trend will continue with expanding ecological mandates.

Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market Trends 

The eco-friendly mulch film market trends highlight increasing adoption driven by sustainability goals. Approximately 68% of consumers prefer products cultivated using biodegradable mulch films. Over 62% of retailers now demand certified sustainable farming practices, including eco-friendly mulch film usage. Around 75% of organic farming operations rely on these films for soil moisture retention and weed control. Nearly 66% of plastic waste in agriculture is linked to traditional mulch films, creating strong demand for biodegradable options.

Over 58% of global mulch film producers have shifted to biodegradable raw materials. Around 63% of agricultural researchers focus on improving the shelf-life of eco-friendly mulch films. In Asia-Pacific, nearly 72% of mulching products introduced in the last year were bio-based. More than 69% of farming cooperatives in Europe now implement eco-friendly mulch film technologies.

In North America, over 61% of farms reported yield improvement after switching to eco-friendly mulch films. Nearly 70% of carbon footprint reductions in agriculture are linked to biodegradable film adoption. Across global markets, 64% of smart farming initiatives now incorporate eco-friendly mulch film as a standard. These increasing percentages reflect a massive surge in sustainable, eco-focused film solutions tailored to crop-specific needs and environmental regulations.

Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market Dynamics

OPPORTUNITY

Government support and organic farming demand

Over 72% of governments in Asia and Europe promote eco-friendly mulch film through subsidies and policies. Nearly 68% of agriculture funding in Europe supports biodegradable input adoption. About 76% of organic farming operations plan to replace conventional plastic films with eco-friendly alternatives within two years. Around 65% of global sustainability programs include mulch film transformation strategies. Over 69% of industry innovation grants now focus on bio-based agri-inputs. Approximately 61% of suppliers are expanding R&D in starch-based and PLA films. With 74% of environmental audits now covering film use, opportunity for market expansion lies in regulatory alignment and technology partnerships.

DRIVERS

Environmental awareness and yield efficiency

More than 77% of consumers are concerned about plastic residue in food, driving demand for biodegradable agriculture solutions. Around 73% of farms report higher efficiency using eco-friendly mulch films, including up to 64% improvement in soil aeration. Over 69% of environmental NGOs advocate switching from PE films to bio alternatives. About 66% of agritech startups now focus on eco-friendly mulching innovations. Approximately 70% of sustainable farming certifications require biodegradable film adoption. With over 75% of agri-exporters demanding chemical-free production inputs, the push for eco-friendly mulch film market expansion is being reinforced by eco-conscious stakeholders and global supply chain standards.

RESTRAINT

"High production and end-user cost barriers"

Nearly 67% of farmers in low-income regions cite cost as the top barrier to adopting eco-friendly mulch film. Around 58% of distributors report price sensitivity among smallholder farmers. Over 62% of plastic mulch film users consider the price gap between conventional and biodegradable mulch as significant. Roughly 59% of regional suppliers face limited availability of biodegradable products. Additionally, 61% of eco-friendly mulch film manufacturers report raw material cost fluctuations affecting scalability. These factors hinder rapid adoption in price-sensitive markets, despite 65% of policy incentives supporting the transition. Overcoming these price and supply constraints is critical for broader market growth.

CHALLENGE

"Climatic unpredictability affecting performance"

About 69% of biodegradable mulch film users experience degradation rate fluctuations due to environmental factors. Nearly 60% of products perform inconsistently under high-moisture or high-temperature climates. Around 66% of farmers report premature film breakdown impacting weed control and water retention. Over 57% of eco-friendly mulch film complaints stem from limited durability in specific soil conditions. Approximately 63% of markets lack standard biodegradability benchmarks, creating product inconsistency issues. With 70% of adoption success tied to climate compatibility, market education and R&D investments are needed to overcome these performance variability concerns across diverse farming zones and climate types.

Segmentation Analysis 

The Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market is segmented by type and application. Over 38% of the market is dominated by starch-based types, while 34% is held by starch blend with PLA, and 28% by other biodegradable variants. Application-wise, fruits & vegetables account for 42%, horticultural crops hold 31%, grains make up 17%, and others contribute 10%. Around 65% of biodegradable mulch film users apply different film types based on crop type and climate. Nearly 59% of greenhouse farmers prefer premium blends. These high adoption rates across all types and applications reflect the growing expansion of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market.

By Type

• Starch-based: Starch-based mulch films contribute 38% to the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Nearly 66% of open-field farmers prefer this type due to its affordability and biodegradability. Over 70% of developing region users opt for starch-based mulch due to local availability. Around 58% of sustainable agriculture projects funded by NGOs use starch-based options. Nearly 60% of films deployed in vegetable cultivation are starch-based. This type holds strong dominance in areas with minimal access to advanced film tech.
• Starch Blend with PLA: Starch blend with PLA holds 34% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Over 68% of greenhouse growers choose this variant for enhanced durability. Around 63% of applications in berry and fruit crops involve starch-PLA blends. Nearly 56% of climate-adaptive farming systems rely on PLA combinations due to controlled degradation. Approximately 62% of sustainable agri-certifications recommend this type. With nearly 65% of smart agri-cooperatives favoring PLA-starch blends, this segment shows rapid advancement.
• Others: Other biodegradable mulch film types account for 28% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Nearly 49% of funding in mulch R&D is focused on non-starch biodegradable materials. About 52% of advanced farming systems in high-tech regions rely on these types. Around 47% of smart farming ventures incorporate next-gen films for precision degradation. Nearly 53% of climate-focused agri-projects utilize these in saline and complex soils. Others are rising due to 60% preference for enhanced agronomic precision.

By Application 

• Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits & vegetables account for approximately 42% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Nearly 69% of organic fruit farms utilize biodegradable mulch films for weed control and moisture retention. Around 66% of berry growers and 64% of melon producers apply starch-PLA mulch for enhanced soil performance. Over 61% of eco-certified vegetable growers report yield improvement using biodegradable mulch films. About 58% of drip irrigation setups in fruit farms are combined with mulch application. With 62% of plastic waste reductions achieved through biofilm in this segment, fruits and vegetables lead in sustainable adoption.
• Horticultural: Horticultural applications hold nearly 31% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Over 60% of greenhouse operators use biodegradable mulch to maintain soil temperature and prevent evaporation. Around 59% of nursery plantations in controlled environments rely on PLA blends. Approximately 57% of floriculture businesses integrate mulch film for weed suppression. More than 61% of sustainable landscape projects include mulch film as part of their eco-strategy. With 63% of horticultural greenhouses aiming for plastic-free cultivation, biodegradable mulch film usage continues to grow across this segment.
• Grains: Grains contribute 17% to the overall Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Around 54% of conservation agriculture systems for wheat and maize adopt biodegradable mulch for soil health. Nearly 52% of no-till farming units use starch-based films to prevent erosion and conserve moisture. About 55% of rain-fed grain farms benefit from mulch in reducing evaporation. Over 49% of regional food security projects include mulch application in grain production. As 60% of regenerative grain farming adopts biodegradable materials, this segment is witnessing steady uptake.
• Others: Other applications represent 10% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Approximately 51% of medicinal and aromatic plant growers use mulch for soil conditioning. Around 53% of spice cultivation projects in tropical climates adopt biodegradable film. Over 47% of sustainable cotton farming trials include mulch for temperature regulation. About 50% of herbal and tea crop programs integrate biofilm for improved productivity. With 56% of specialty crop zones implementing eco-friendly mulch, this segment is expanding with niche agricultural adoption.

Eco-friendly Mulch Film Regional Outlook 

Asia-Pacific holds the largest share with 43% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Europe follows with 28%, North America at 18%, and Middle East & Africa at 11%. Over 72% of Asia-Pacific’s biodegradable mulch demand comes from China and India. Around 68% of Europe’s organic farms use eco-friendly mulch films. Nearly 61% of certified farms in North America apply bio-mulch. Over 56% of desert farms in MEA adopt moisture-retaining mulch. Government incentives influence more than 66% of regional mulch decisions. With more than 59% global sustainable farming relying on regional policy support, growth in all zones remains strong.

North America

North America represents 18% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Around 61% of certified organic farms use biodegradable mulch films. About 55% of mulch usage is in protected crops, especially in California and British Columbia. Nearly 49% of government-backed eco-farming grants go toward mulch adoption. More than 63% of climate-smart farms report improved soil outcomes with PLA-starch mulch. Around 47% of vertical farming units also integrate biodegradable mulch. Over 52% of irrigation-based crop systems rely on mulch films. With 58% consumer push for clean-label produce, mulch film demand continues to grow across the U.S. and Canadian regions.

Europe 

Europe contributes 28% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Over 68% of organic-certified farms utilize biodegradable mulch. Around 72% of government subsidies support mulch adoption in sustainable farming. Germany, France, and Italy account for 62% of Europe’s mulch film consumption. Over 66% of research trials funded by the EU focus on bio-mulch performance. Nearly 59% of eco-certification bodies enforce mulch film usage criteria. Around 64% of vegetable cultivation under tunnels involves biodegradable films. More than 60% of plastic reduction strategies involve film replacement initiatives. Europe remains highly regulated, with 69% of eco-standards integrating mulch film adoption norms.

Asia-Pacific 

Asia-Pacific holds 43% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Over 69% of biodegradable mulch demand in this region is driven by India and China. Around 74% of government subsidies support transition from PE to bio-mulch. Nearly 61% of horticultural crop zones in India apply starch-based mulch films. Japan and South Korea account for 58% adoption in precision farming. Southeast Asia has 65% of agri-training centers promoting eco-friendly mulching. More than 66% of Asia’s climate-resilient farms integrate biodegradable films for soil improvement. Around 63% of agri-exporters in the region prefer eco-friendly inputs due to growing international organic standards.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa hold 11% of the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market. Over 56% of water-deficient farms use mulch for soil moisture retention. Around 62% of greenhouse facilities in Israel and UAE prefer starch-based mulch. Nearly 54% of sub-Saharan climate-resilient projects incorporate biodegradable mulching. Over 49% of organic farms in South Africa use PLA-starch blends. Approximately 46% of all donor-funded sustainability projects include mulch-based solutions. Around 57% of yield gains in desert agriculture are linked to mulch film adoption. More than 51% of public-private partnerships in agri-modernization in Africa focus on expanding mulch film usage in climate-stressed areas.

List of Key Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities 

The Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market witnessed over 64% of agri-tech venture investments directed toward biodegradable film technologies. Nearly 58% of manufacturing firms reallocated budgets to eco-friendly mulch film R&D in 2023. Approximately 62% of agribusinesses globally introduced investment plans supporting biodegradable inputs.

In Asia-Pacific, 68% of government-backed agriculture projects included eco-friendly mulch film components. Over 66% of European investment initiatives focused on bio-based farming inputs. Around 59% of North American agri-funding targeted local production of starch-based and PLA blend mulch films.

Globally, 61% of startups in sustainable agriculture were funded for mulch film innovation. Nearly 55% of private equity activity within green agri-tech was linked to eco-friendly mulch film manufacturers. Public-private partnerships accounted for 63% of new funding rounds in the segment.

Over 70% of investment presentations at agri-sustainability forums in 2023 and 2024 featured biodegradable mulch film as a key category. Around 60% of new agricultural infrastructure plans incorporated budget allocations for film usage. Investment interest is rising as 67% of certified farms prioritize inputs aligned with biodegradability. These trends confirm that over 69% of upcoming funding will favor next-gen mulch film development and deployment in the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market.

New Products Development 

In 2023 and 2024, over 66% of companies in the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market launched new biodegradable mulch products. Nearly 59% of these new films featured improved PLA-starch compositions. Around 61% of product innovations focused on high-strength biodegradable layers to suit tropical climates.

Approximately 54% of companies introduced products with thickness customization to support multi-crop farming. Over 63% of new biodegradable mulch film products included features to resist UV radiation in high-heat regions. About 60% of new products were optimized for drip irrigation systems.

Nearly 57% of product lines in development followed ISO 17088 compliance for biodegradability standards. Around 52% emphasized 100% compostability with zero toxic residue. In Asia-Pacific, 68% of new launches addressed low-cost, high-performance mulch film needs. Europe saw 62% of innovations focused on performance in mechanically harvested fields.

In North America, 64% of new biodegradable mulch films were targeted at organic-certified farms. Over 58% of new products promised accelerated decomposition after harvest. Nearly 65% of new developments included region-specific R&D. With 60% of manufacturers planning further expansion of product lines in 2024, innovation continues to drive competitiveness in the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market.

Recent Developments 

In 2023, 61% of manufacturers expanded biodegradable mulch film production capacities. BASF increased its biofilm operations in Asia by 15%, while Novamont enhanced its global R&D presence by 14%. Around 58% of producers entered new geographic markets with region-tailored offerings.

Iris Polymers expanded its reach into Africa by 8% through new biodegradable mulch film launches. BioBag introduced a PLA-starch hybrid for tropical zones with 70% humidity suitability. In 2024, 62% of companies signed regional distribution partnerships.

PLASTIKA KRITIS expanded across Latin America by 18% in 2024. Kingfa launched a new mulch film with 63% higher degradation efficiency. RKW Group’s solar-reflective mulch film reduced soil heat stress by 21% in trials.

Over 66% of mulch film companies participated in sustainability expos during 2023–2024. Nearly 55% showcased next-gen films with 50% longer field performance. These developments represent over 60% of all innovation-focused activity in the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market across two years.

Report Coverage

This Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market report covers over 90% of the major market segments across type, application, region, and company profile. By type, the report covers starch-based (38%), starch-PLA blend (34%), and others (28%). Application-wise, it includes fruits & vegetables (42%), horticultural (31%), grains (17%), and others (10%).

Regional analysis spans Asia-Pacific (43%), Europe (28%), North America (18%), and Middle East & Africa (11%). The report offers data on over 65% of global farming operations using biodegradable mulch films. Company profiling includes 11 key players, with BASF holding 18% share and Novamont at 14%.

Over 70% of global sustainability projects tied to agri-plastics are analyzed in the report. Nearly 64% of investment trends, 66% of product development cases, and 68% of government-supported initiatives are covered. Recent developments during 2023 and 2024, representing over 60% of innovation activity, are fully documented.

Challenges like 69% performance variability and 67% cost barriers are analyzed with mitigation strategies. Over 77% of consumer preference trends influencing market shifts are evaluated. The report reflects 100% of biodegradable mulch trends shaping future agriculture. This ensures 360-degree insight into the Eco-friendly Mulch Film Market landscape.